Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States – we all know somebody who struggles with breakouts, whether ourselves or our loved ones. While some mild to moderate cases of acne can be treated with OTC products, many times these products are ineffective on their own because they aren’t used consistently.

IPL Photofacial

The Problem with OTC Acne Products

It’s difficult to establish and maintain good health habits, and a daily skincare routine is no exception. In teens especially, non-compliance is a major reason that acne treatment is found to be ineffective. On top of that, many OTC acne treatments take months to show any noticeable improvement.

There is a solution to this problem: the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacial. A photofacial (also known as a fotofacial, facial rejuvenation, or photorejuvenation) is an FDA approved, non-invasive skincare treatment that uses high intensity pulses of light to treat over 40 different skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and vascular imperfections.

Our state-of-the-art Lumenis M22™ system delivers rapid, high intensity pulses of light that target the bacteria deep within the skin and promote healing from the inside out. These light flashes also stimulate your skin’s natural collagen production, evening out skin tone and reducing the appearance of acne scars.

How does IPL Treat Acne?

An IPL Photofacial is a powerful weapon to treat acne. The Lumenis M22™ penetrates multiple layers of skin, primarily targeting the lower layers (dermis) while leaving the top layers (epidermis) unaffected. The yellow and green light destroy the P. bacteria that causes acne, and the red light shrinks the overactive sebaceous glands, preventing excess sebum production. This powerful approach allows us to attack the acne at its source and speed up the healing process.

What Can I Expect During the Appointment?

During your session, the physician will apply a cold gel to your face, and you’ll feel a warm sensation as the light is applied to your skin. The treatment is gentle; most people don’t experience pain or discomfort. Sessions typically last 15-20 minutes, and it will take a series of treatments to kill the acne-causing bacteria. For optimal results, 4-6 sessions are recommended, with a recess of 4 weeks in between treatments.

What Can I Expect After the Treatment?

You may experience some mild redness immediately after treatment. This generally disappears within a few hours. You’ll be advised to stay out of direct sun for a few days, but in most cases, daily activities can be resumed the same day as treatment. Some people even notice improvements after the first treatment! Still, you must be diligent about planning your following treatment sessions. Your skin will continue to improve with each successive session. To find out more about IPL photofacials and our other total skin-care solutions, learn more on IPL